The Hidden Database of Every Linux User

Every Linux system keeps a detailed record of every user in a simple text file. Let's decode this hidden database:

Sample Output:

Decoding the Mystery (each line has 7 fields separated by colons):

1. Username → nana
2. Password Placeholder → x (real passwords stored securely elsewhere)
3. User ID (UID) → 1000 (root is always 0)
4. Primary Group ID → 1000
5. User Description → Nana,,, (full name, contact info)
6. Home Directory → /home/nana
7. Default Shell → /bin/bash (command interpreter)

Fun Facts:

• 🏠 Every user gets their own home directory
• 🔢 UIDs under 1000 are typically reserved for system users
• 🐚 /bin/false shell means the user can't login interactively
• 📁 This file is readable by everyone but only writable by root

Pro Insight: Service users often have /bin/false as their shell because they're meant to run services, not provide interactive logins!